Our festival had its humble beginnings on Father's Day in 1966 when the Darlington Fire Department hosted a canoe race from Calamine to Darlington on the Pecatonica River. Who would have known that lone event would evolve into a four-day festival packed full of excitement for the entire region to enjoy?

The Canoe Festival races begin in Calamine, WI. The launch site is situated on County Highway C at the intersection of County Highway G. Canoes will begin to launch at 6:00 am and will continue to launch throughout the morning. The races end in Darlington adjacent to the campgrounds. The total distance along this scenic route is roughly 10 miles.

No pre-registration required. Sign up at the starting line in Calamine.

Thanks to the Darlington Fire Department, the canoe races are still the main focal point of the festival and are hosted annually on the Sunday morning of the Canoe Festival at 6:00 am.